Film that informs. Film that inspires. Film that Entertains
August 23rd San Diego: For Immediate Release: The San Diego International Film Festival announces
the footprint for the 22nd Annual Festival (Oct 18-22, 2023). The 22nd Annual San Diego International
Film Festival is ‘Celebrating the Power of Film’ with curated screenings that inform, inspire and
entertain. Festival events include the Opening Night Film Premiere & Reception, Culinary Cinema,
Studio Premieres, curated features, documentaries and shorts from Independent Filmmakers around
the world as well as parties, panels and networking events. Count on the Festival to get the
conversation started with compelling Social Impact Films and Q&As including: Refugee Experiences,
Environmental Sustainability, Individuals with Disabilities and Inclusion, PTSD in the Military, Human
Trafficking, LGBTQAI+ Rights, and other topics affecting our world and our communities.
Each year the San Diego International Film Festival receives submissions from over 3000 independent
filmmakers from 82 countries. The San Diego Intl Film Festival is strategically positioned in October to
premiere potential contenders just prior to the industry nominations and awards shows. Through the
years, the San Diego International Film Festival has screened premieres that have garnered 22
ACADEMY AWARDS and 103 NOMINATIONS!
Tonya Mantooth, CEO/Artistic Director shared “Every year, watching the thousands of festival film
submissions serves as a snapshot of the compelling conversations happening in the world. Topics
definitely emerge that we are collectively examining as a culture. This year promises to unveil some
fascinating topics for us to discuss with our community. The festival provides a place where we can use
the inspiration of film to look at ideas together – and walk away thinking. We’re looking forward to
sharing the full slate in a couple of weeks!”
Selected films for the 2023 Festival will be announced in late August. sdfilmfest.com
2023 SAN DIEGO INTL FILM FESTIVAL FOOTPRINT
WED. OCT 18
Opening Night Film Premiere & Reception
The Museum of Photographic Arts, Balboa Park
Pre-Reception and Screening
Join us on Wed, Oct 18th to kick off the 22nd Annual San Diego International Film Festival at the
Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. Film lovers, filmmakers, arts patrons, elected officials,
and business professionals will gather to ‘Celebrate the Power of Film.’ Guests will enjoy a
Pre-screening Cocktail Party followed by a Studio Film Premiere and post reception.
THURS. OCT 19—SUN. OCT 22
In-Person Screenings
AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC (formerly Arclight)
Film lovers will enjoy film screenings of Studio Premieres and Independent Features, Documentaries and
Short Films. In between film screenings, guests can visit the Festival Lounge for bites, cocktails and
conversations with other Film Lovers.
In – Person Parties
Film lovers will have the opportunity to socialize with other attendees at multiple exciting evening events
scheduled over the run of the festival.
SUN. OCT 22
Culinary Cinema
AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC (formerly Arclight)
Culinary Cinema is the perfect recipe for Sunday fun and a dream come true for foodies! The ingredients
begin with a cuisine-themed movie. Afterwards everyone adjourns to enjoy dishes inspired by renowned
San Diego Chefs. Add some nice wines and good conversation and you have a perfect Sunday afternoon!
There are a variety of Festival Packages available to suit every budget. Individual screenings can be
purchased for $16 all the way up to the VIP PASS PACKAGE for $450. Learn more about Festival ticketing
options HERE.
We are cashless/paperless and badges are printed physically. All tickets can be uploaded digitally and
scanned.
PASS PACKAGES:
The Festival’s signature events (Opening Night Film and Pre-Reception and Culinary Cinema) typically
sell out. The best way to guarantee reservations at these events is to purchase a pass no later than
Labor Day (Sept. 4).
The VIP Pass Package includes: Opening Night Film and Pre-Reception, Culinary Cinema, first access to
all film screenings, panels, special events and VIP Lounge
The Fest Pass Package includes all screenings on Thursday – Sunday as well as Culinary Cinema.
Individual event tickets to the signature events will go on Sept 5th on a space available basis.
https://sdfilmfest.com/buy-passes/
About The San Diego International Film Festival:
The San Diego International Film Festival is the region’s premier film event and one of the leading stops
on the independent festival circuit. The Festival offers a totally unique film experience; including world
premieres, never before seen studio releases and the best in independent filmmaking. We believe
cinema is a catalyst for positive change. The festival programming is diverse – however everyone has a
genre that speaks to their heart – including us. With a passion for social impact topics, we’ve focused
the lens on curated independent films that explore the issues affecting our world including
homelessness, prejudice, pollution of the world’s rivers, animal and environmental extinction,
sustainability, sex-trafficking, military stories and more.
About the San Diego Film Foundation:
CREATING EMPATHY IN A COMPLEX WORLD….
Our mission is to use the experience of film to explore issues of global impact, to create dialog, and
ultimately to develop empathy and understanding in an increasingly diverse and complex world. We
leverage these important conversations via our partnership with the San Diego County Office of
Education and the San Diego Unified School District to use cinematic storytelling to help educate future
leaders on key issues affecting our communities and world.
A 501c.3. The San Diego Film Foundation brings the finest independent cinematic storytelling from
around the world to San Diego each year. We present films that make a difference through a variety of
events and programs. We have a created robust infrastructure to continue sharing film and discussion
safely including:
● FOCUS on Impact Film Series for all High School Students in San Diego County (Fall and Spring
2023/2024)
● Film Insider Series (May – August 2023)
● 2023 San Diego International Film Festival (October 18-22, 2023)
Last year’s 2022 Film Festival was a BLAST! Those who attended were treated to so many great “once in a lifetime moments” like meeting their favorite Actors and enjoying special times with friends! Come join the fun, excitement and all the special times at this years 2023 San Diego International Film Festival!
This is Bryan Seltzer and I’ll “See you there”!
